Yellowtail Trumpeter

The Yellowtail trumpeter, Amniataba caudavittata, (also known as the Flagtailed terapon, Yellowtail grunter and Yellow-tailed perch) is a common species of coastal marine fish of the grunter family; Terapontidae. The Yellowtail trumpeter is endemic to Australia and Papua New Guinea, ranging from Cape Leeuwin in Western Australia along the north coast of Australia to Bowen, Queensland and north along the coast of southern Papua New Guinea. The species is distinguishable by its colouring patterns, as well as anatomical features such as spine and gill counts.

The species commonly inhabits estuaries during the warmer months of the year, moving offshore in winter to avoid the influx of fresh water from swollen rivers. The species breeds in the upper reaches of estuaries, with an average of 310,000 eggs produced per individual in a season. The Yellowtail trumpeter is a benthic omnivore, preying on algae, crustaceans, and polychaetes predominantly and shows a change in diet with age.

The species is often taken by with handlines, seines, and other inshore fishing gear but is considered to be a relatively poor table fish. The Yellowtail trumpeter is of no relation to the true trumpeters of the family Latridae.